DAY 1 – 3 : CAPE TOWN Arrive at Cape Town International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Camps Bay Resort. Set against the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and a stones throw from the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Camps Bay Resort is perfectly located for your dream holiday in this idyllic location. Within walking distance from an abundance of day and night activities, café's, sundowner spots, cocktail venues, fantastic restaurants and places to be seen, staying at Camps Bay Resort is both fun and convenient. The resort itself offers activities such as swimming and sun bathing at its two swimming pools as well as special treatment at the nearby Wellness Centre. The Palm Café serves breakfasts, light lunches and drinks, all of which can be ordered from the pool menu and enjoyed from the comfort of your beach towel! Cape Town city centre is a mere 10 minutes drive from here.
Below is how you can spend your time in Cape Town… Day 1: Enjoy one of our Blue Flag beaches, discover the city centre and watch the sunset from the top of Table Mountain Day 2: Optional Day Tour Day 3: Visit the famous V&A Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium and Robben Island, prison-home to former President Nelson Mandela for over 20 years, gives a not-to-be-missed insight into South Africa's struggle for democracy
DAY 4 : CAPE TOWN TO ARNISTON Pick up you rental car and make your way to Arniston. In Bredasdorp, visit the Shipwreck Museum, housed in the original farm homestead and now a national monument, to view displays of ships wrecked off this treacherous coastline. Depart to the southernmost point of Africa, L’Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Visit the second oldest lighthouse in South Africa dating from 1848 and now in use again. Early Portugese seafarers rounding this dangerous point called the area Cape Agulhas, Portuguese for “needles”, when they noticed their compass needle showed no deviation. Continue to Arniston, a quaint fishing village, which is also called Waenhuiskrans (wagon house cliff), a name which originates from the shape of a giant’s sea cave nearby.
Check in at the Arniston Hotel, set in the beauty of limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, stunning nature reserves and the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. You can take a short walk to the harbour where one can watch the fishing boats come in. Next to the harbour you will find the historical fishing village of Kassiesbaai, which welcomes strollers and photographers.
A must at low tide is the walk to the Waenhuiskrans cave. The walk is 1.5kms along the road and cliff tops and a small walk down the dunes. The cave is most spectacular. Longer walks will take you to Struis Point, Galjoengat and the De Mond Nature Reserve.
Enjoy dinner (own account) at the restaurant in the hotel, which is famous for the fresh produce caught daily by the local fishermen.
DAY 5 - 6 : ARNISTON TO WILDERNESS Continue to drive along the Indian Ocean coastline through seaside villages until you get to the quaint seaside resort called Wilderness surrounded by long stretches of undisturbed white sandy beaches, lagoons and peaceful meandering rivers.
Upon arrival in Wilderness, check into the Boardwalk Lodge and Resort for 2 nights. The Boardwalk Lodge is tucked away in one of South Africa’s last indigenous forest backdrops and is situated between George and Knysna. Each superior simplex suite is equipped with a gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen a large viewing deck and other luxurious amenities.
Optional day excursions: · The Wilderness National Park offers a diverse selection of rainforest walks to impress any nature- and bird lover. Lush indigenous rain forests, meandering rivers and estuaries, a variety of Kingfishers and the infamous Knysna Loerie are amongst the treats you can spoil your eyes with. · Take a drive up to the famous “Map of Africa Viewpoint” which offers breathtaking scenery of the Kaaimans River Valley and ocean vista revealed by few. There are 5 lakes, 2 estuaries, 5 rivers and 18km of unspoiled golden coastlines
DAY 7 : WILDERNESS TO KNYSNA Make your way to the town of Knysna, nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Check in at Hide-Away, a beautiful Cape Colonial guesthouse, located on the main road into Knysna, offering stunning views of the picturesque Knysna Lagoon and the well known Knysna Heads. This is the ideal place to simply relax or from which to explore the many sights of Knysna and the scenic Garden Route. Knysna is surrounded by a paradise of indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and spectacular beaches and nestles on the banks of a tranquil estuary.
Optional activities and excursions: · Visit the Ashmead Resort, ideally situated on the edge of Knysna’s beautiful lagoon admist tranquil gardens and magnificent indigenous trees. The Knysna Seahorse, a fascinating marine creature which is endemic to the Knysna Estuary, has been spotted in the channels around Ashmead Resort. If you are not lucky enough to discover one by yourself, you can view them up close at the Knysna Estuarine Aquarium. · Visit the Oyster Farm in Knysna and learn all about this fascinating industry and the process, by which they are cultivated, collected, sorted and cleaned. You will also get a chance to savor this delicacy. · Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and which is accessible by ferry only. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. The Knysna Heads - go for a walk along the Heads and take in the panoramic views of the town and lagoon Whale and Dolphin Watching - The Knysna coastline is home to one of the highest diversity of marine mammals in the world - including whales and dolphins. Overnight: Hide-Away, Knysna (BB)
DAY 8 – 9 : KNYSNA TO PUMBA GAME RESERVE Drive along the scenic N2 Highway through “the friendly city” of Port Elizabeth and up towards Pumba Private Game Reserve. With its 5-star game lodge luxury, guests have every opportunity to enjoy the ultimate essence of South Africa's luxury and style in a non-malaria area. The Reserve covers over 6,000 hectares of land and offers guests the thrilling experience of spotting the Big Five in their natural environment. Pumba also covers 5 of the 7 biomes, and is the first of the Eastern Cape Game reserves to introduce a White Lion breeding programme. As well as the amazing animals you will find at Pumba Private Game Reserve, for the bird lovers there are over 300 different species of birds.
The luxurious Pumba Water lodge comprises of 12 stone-walled, thatched, waterfront cottages all opening onto a private timber deck with outdoor shower and plunge pool overlooking the Kariega Lake and game drinking water or splashing around.
DAY 10 – 11 : PUMBA TO OUDTSHOORN Early morning game drive and breakfast before you continue to Mooiplaas Guest House, situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo, just outside Oudtshoorn. The Mooiplaas farm was bought in the early 1890's. Today the 5th generation on the farm specialise in ostrich, maize and alfalfa. The farm produces 16,000 chicks per year and provide 4,000 adult birds to the market. You will enjoy the comforts of home with breathtaking views. Enjoy coffee on the front porch overlooking Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg mountain range.
Optional excursions: · Visit the world famous Cango Caves in the belly of the Swartberg Mountains, described as one of the great natural wonders of the world. · You can also visit an Ostrich farm to see the whole farming process and learn all about the largest birds on earth. Have dinner in a cozy restaurant in Oudtshoorn, the “Feather Capital of the World” · Arrange for a barbeque dinner at Mooiplaas
Overnight: Mooiplaas Guesthouse, Oudtshoorn (BB)
DAY 12 : OUDTSHOORN TO ROBERTSON Visit the Crocodile & Cheetah Farm and if you are daring enough, have your photo taken while stroking a cheetah’s head. Drive through the Klein Karoo via Calitzdorp and stop for wine tasting at Boplaas, producers of South Africa’s champion port. Continue via Ladismith, Barrydale and through Tradouw’s Pass to Swellendam, situated at the foot of the Langeberge. Visit the Drostdy Museum. Proceed to Robertson, picturesquely situated in the broad and fertile valley of the Breede River.
Continue to Fraai Uitzicht, a gem of a retreat, which lies in the heart of the Robertson Valley on the scenic Route 62. This tranquil retreat offers exceptional bird watching, with a selection of specimens including the Hadeda, Hamerkop, Blue Crane, Cape Weaver Birds and flocks of Guinea fowls. After check-in, one can enjoy a stroll through the herb garden or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds while lazing in the sun by the pool. The more adventurous can take a stroll through the vineyards and orchards or enjoy a mountain bike ride through the valley. One can also experience wine tasting on the banks of the Breede River at Viljoensdrift which offers in addition to tasting a relaxing hour cruising of the Breede River on the riverboat, Uncle Ben. You can also visit Sheilam’s Cactus Farm - a nursery for exotic cactus plants (about 3,000 of some of the weirdest and loveliest plants imaginable!)
Be introduced to wine making in the Historical Wine Cellar or experience the live concerts “on stage” in front of the restaurant. Local artists and professionals entertain with enthralling voices and performances.
Have a traditional South African braai privately at your own cottage or experience the delights of Fraai Uitzicht’s country restaurant. The menu portraits country style cuisine offering seasonal fresh dishes made from fresh vegetables and just-picked herbs from the garden. Exquisite desserts and the best wines of the Robertson Valley, including the handcrafted Fraai Uitzicht 1798 Merlot, compliment a memorable meal. Highly recommended and one of Fraai Uitzicht most indulgent experiences is The Fine Wine and Dine Menu, a seven-course set menu, with specially selected wines to accompany each course.
Overnight in superior accommodation, overlooking the Robertson Wine Valley, Sonderend Mountains, fruit orchards and vineyards.
DAY 13 : ROBERTSON TO FRANSCHHOEK Enjoy breakfast on the veranda where huge umbrellas provide shade – absorb the beauty, relax and enjoy the tranquil ambience.
Continue to Franschhoek via the Franschhoek Pass. You will be able to view what is described as “the most beautiful valley” from the top of the Pass. Land was allocated to some 200 Hugeunots that fled persecution in France, in what is known as “Le Quartier Francais”. Franschhoek was originally known as “Olifantshoek” after elephants took to calving in the sheltered valley of plentiful food and water. Most of the farms in the area still carry the original French names.
Check in at The Corner House in the heart of the historical Franschhoek. This gracious village home is situated in peaceful surroundings with spectacular mountain views. Spend some time in this charming village, browsing through the many art, craft and antique stores or visit the Huguenot Monument & Museum, depicting the history of the French Huguenots.
DAY 14: FRANSCHHOEK Depart for a day in the Winelands (Paarl).
Optional excursions: · Visit the KWV Cellar in Paarl for a wine tasting and cellar tour. This internationally famous cellar complex is one of the largest in the world, covering an area of 22 hectares. Continue to Seidelberg Estate, elevated high on the south western slopes of the Paarl mountain, the farm has one of the most scenic and magnificent views of the Cape Winelands and Table Mountain · Visit Nelson Creek Estate. The cellar door manager and events co-ordinator, will keep you spellbound as he takes you on a cellar tour and present a wine tasting that is unlike any that you have ever experienced. Learn about the initiative of Advocate Nelson who handed parts of his farm to labourers, which resulted in the start of “New Beginnings”. Currently they export wine to Europe, Asia and America. All revenue derived from the sale of their wine accrues to the labourers. · Enjoy lunch at Fairview (own account) and taste its internationally acclaimed wines and award-winning homemade, farmstyle cheeses. On top of the Paarl Mountains, lies the 1 900-hectare Paarlberg Nature Reserve dominated by the granite outcrops of Paarl Rock, Gordon’s Rock and Bretagne Rock. The reserve protects fynbos, proteas, wild olives, aloes and silver trees · Pay a visit to the Afrikaans Taal Monument. The only monument in the world dedicated to a language. Learn about the origin of this beautiful and dynamic young language, so dear to the hearts of the Afrikaans community
DAY 15: STELLENBOSCH TO AIRPORT Time permitting; you can spend your last day in the Stellenbosch area before you continue to the Cape Town International Airport for your return flight.
Stellenbosch is the 2nd oldest town in South Africa, and world-renowned for its wines, historical buildings, oak-lined streets, and university. Drive through the university section, walk down Dorp Street with its historic buildings, and pop in at “Oom Samie se Winkel” (Uncle Sammy’s Shop).
Enjoy a traditional South African lunch at the Volkskombuis Restaurant. Starters include African salad with biltong and a snoek dish with a modern twist. The main attractions are bobotie, chicken pie or waterblommetjie stew. The menu offers informed wine recommendations for each dish.
Continue to the Airport and drop your car at the car rental office.
